The Entertainment Software Association Canada (ESAC) will unveil new research on the size and importance of Canada’s video game industry at a luncheon gathering on May 30th at the Empire Club in the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. Based on research conducted by SECOR, ESAC Executive Director Danielle LaBossiere Parr will deliver a speech entitled A digital economy: the rise of the video game industry in Canada, which will highlight how Canada has carved a niche in video game development and is now a major player on the world stage. The new research includes updated statistics on the size and growth of the Canadian video game industry as well as a detailed analysis of the emerging trends, challenges and opportunities for the future.

Speaking of futures, Mascouche game developer Wild Games Studios has announced the expansion of its business. The studio be will moving into a new workspace 5 times larger than their present location in July, and will therefore be looking for 35 new team members to fill positions in various departments before the month of July.

Wild Games Studios now possesses the logistic capacity and experience to create games for other companies such as popular IP, and they invite companies interested in having more information to contact them. In addition, the studio will complete its first AAA game “Dhaila’s Adventures” in October and will immediately follow that up with the development of its new license AAA “World Circus” which will be presented at E3. An additional 15 team members will be required for that project, leading the studio to a team of about 65 employees for next fall.

Best Buy is now accepting presale orders of NHL 12 for XBOX 360 and PlayStation 3. Be the next legend in hockey with EA Sports‘ NHL 12. Take to the ice in all-new interactive environments where helmet-popping hits, glass-shattering collisions, and crushing checks along the boards are always part of the action. Experience the intensity, speed, and physicality of authentic NHL hockey with NHL 12.

Pre-order from Best Buy and receive the goalie boost to enhance your Be a Pro and EA SPORTS Hockey League goalie. Best Buy Reward Zone members will also earn 800 points with presale orders, a $10 value. NHL 12 is available for presale at all Best Buy locations and on BestBuy.ca. The game is priced at $59.99.